Are the BJDs rather for 'Old Children' (teenagers and adults) ???

Its not the doll its what you do with it, Barbies can be perverted too depending on the mind of who is in control of them. (Caught one boy I was babysitting putting a naked barbie and ken in the back seat of his toy car suggestively.)

My son is allowed to play with the MSD boy, and thinks nothing special about the fact the dolls got the same parts as him. I wouldn't hesitate to take him to an art gallery to see works of the masters even though many have nudity. If you consider nudity perverted then what kind of place would that make the Sistine chapel ?

However I don't think these are dolls for kids, they are made for adults and young adults. Theres a good amount of irritating things about the dolls which adults are more likely to have patience to overcome or deal with that would normally cause frustration or injury to a child. Example sharp S hooks and elasic tension (got stabbed by one myself lol) small parts, kicky legs, glass eyes with sharp edges, and how fragile they are.

(now I'm talking kids, not teens or adults who are old enough to know if I pull the S hook its likely going to snap back, and its my own stupid fault if I get hurt)
My son is not allowed to dissasemble the MSD or mess with the really sharp glass eyes, he only plays with the MSD under supervision.

 

I'm not going into the topic of anatomically correct dolls, because I think it has been said a ten times over in this thread that unless the adults draw the child's attention to the doll's penis or vagina in an "adult" manner, the child thinks nothing of them.

What I would like to point out is the responsibility issue. Several people have stated that children treat things badly and therefore can't be trusted with these dolls. I beg to differ. Of course children treat things like trash if they are not properly taught how to treat things. If children learn that everything can be tossed about and jumped upon and generally neglected without any consequences (either from the parents or from the toy breaking), that is exactly the result. Today's plastic culture enforces this behaviour, as the things rarely break - and if they do, they are cheap and replaceable.

I intend to follow my parents' way of teaching how to handle delicate things when bringing up my own children (I am a mother of an 11 months old girl). From the start I was instructed how to handle things, and when I was three I was given my first antique porcelain doll as a birthday present. My parents told me it was special and fragile and I should play with it nicely and handle it with care. And that I did. The doll became "a friend for life" to me, and I never neglected it or mistreated it, and even though it was my most played doll, she is still in a great condition and was never broken.
Besides the doll I also had other "old fashioned" toys later on such as a doll house with furniture made out of real materials.
When I went to school I was shocked and appalled to see how many children mistreated their toys and other stuff, it would never even have crossed my mind to treat mine like that.
Of course accidents happen, and more than one toy visited my father's work shop for repairs after I had tripped over while holding the toy or something similar, but that's another point - they were not thrown away (which indicates they are something replaceable) but meticulously repaired with great care (which indicates they are to be cherished).

Once my daughter is five years old, and if she loves my dolls as much as she does now, I have agreed with my husband that we will buy her an MSD sized BJD as a birthday present. Because at best it will become a companion for life for her and a wonderful learning experience as it will teach her how to handle delicate things. (Why five years old and not three? For the simple fact that I am concerned of a child as young as three having a doll that is made of a material that is as toxic as resin basically is - a five year old should not any longer eat things that are not edible, a three year old still might.)

Now I'm not against modern toys, definitely not, I did have my share of my little ponies and the like as well, and I loved them quite as much as the "old fashioned" toys (and as for my little ponies, I still collect them). My point is that if the child is taught to love and cherish her or his toys, be they delicate and fragile or sturdy and durable, (s)he will treat them accordingly and not (mis)treat them as something replaceable.

 

I'd like to point out that some kids just aren't going to be careful. It doesn't make you a failure as a parent but it's just the nature of being an individual. I treated everything, down to my crayons, with great care. My brother however was a terror and broke many things. We both got the same lessons, the same treatment and would have gotten the same punishments if we tore things up.

And as for lesbians having kids, you go girls! My husbands kind of a fluke and I'm on the lesbian side of bi. Most of my relationships were with women. I think it would make a very nurturing household, though I don't know how I'd deal with two women sitting around fanning themselves and cranking down the A/C when things start to change later in life...lol!

 

I believe this as well, my daughter (who is only 4months) when she grows up, if she shows interest in these dolls at an earlier age..I may just get her a lati yellow or lati white, as those are pretty innocent!

but she'll have to wait till she's 16+ and has had the sex talk with her father and I to start collecting BJD's lol

 

I am 15 years old, and I have not been in this hobby for long.
But I think that BJD's shouldn't be for too young kids, first BJDs are not like barbie or bratz BJDs are qvalitet, excpensive and not just toys. And second there is the sexual factor (or whatever you will call it).
And I use my doll as an artist too, photography and she can inspire me. I don't think young kids would feel that way, they would probably use BJDs as a toy like barbie. (I know I would if I got one when I was little).

 

well I got interested in BJDs since I was 11.

and I know a few others who are in that age who like and own BJDs.

 

I think BJD's are for anyone who can appreciate them! I mean, if you're not mature enough to deal with how real they are, then you obviously shouldn't have one. There are a lot of mature teens out there. I think it's also easier for teens to find out about BJDs. But there isn't a problem with "adults" having them either. If teens are capable of handling such a fragile doll, then they surely can.
I think it all really comes down to the reason you're getting the doll. If you want one just to "fit in" to some sort of crowd.. That's a dumb reason. You'd be spending so much money.. For basically nothing. If you really like the dolls and can appreciate their artistic values and such. There is no reason you shouldn't want one. And try to get one. And I think that's what it comes down to, really.

 

Though price range definitely plays a part, but dolls are for everyone who loves them. Many of my friends who own a doll when they were in high school, it seems that they have learnt a lot when they take care of their dolls. They can design the clothes by themselves instead of buying those expensive clothes from the brand shop and now they sell clothes to earn money~ Soooo, I really want to say worry too much about the age may unnecessary......

 

there's probably only a hand full of people out there who are 14 and have one XD (well she isn't here yet but will be in about a week and I'm almost ready to order my next) so it's hard sometimes being young~
I'm not gonna say I'm mature, but I am about certain things, like I am with BJDs. cuz like I know my friends would be umm "weird" with them and all being anatomically correct and even my closest friends don't know they are yet XD (not making much sense am I?) anyway I think it all depends on the person~

not to blow my own horn but I'm kinda "above my artistic level" for my age lol so I can design clothes and do face ups I bet a lot easier~ (planning to do most the rest of my face ups for my future dolls just not for my first)

So I just think it all depends on the person and how they act towards different things. but generally yes I'd say its not a thing for younger people, even tho I kinda am one myself, (lol) and more for adults or teens~ (sry I suck at getting all my words out right DX)

 

I completely agree with this! I think that, no matter how hard we try, it is hard to portray to younger children just how expensive and fragile BJDs can be--and even for young teenagers (13-16/17) who may feel (or even be) very mature for their age, it's still hard to appreciate the value of a that you haven't bought entirely with your own money (money you earned; not money that was given to you)
Please, I don't want anyone to get offended by that, but I feel it's true! And I'm not saying it's IMPOSSIBLE for young people to appreciate the value, just hard. For example, for many years I took a lot of pride in my extensive anime/manga collection (the biggest at my HS and probably at my college now, too @.@"), but it wasn't until my parents stopped paying for me to get more of it that I really started to appreciate it. :/ While I love it, I also realize now that it's not something that's 'entirely' my work, since all the money that went in to it came from other people in some way! (Be it allowance, gifts, rewards, etc... In the end, it all comes for your parents/family)

However, I completely disagree with this. I honestly feel that by introducing children to nudity and sexuality at an early age, you can ensure that they are not 'fascinated' by it later. I feel that the taboo we surrounding nudity with (in America, anyways) is half the cause of what leads children to become so sexual so early in life! That, and the fact that despite how taboo being naked is, being half-naked and slithering around a television screen is completely acceptable.
Honestly, I'd much rather my child be familiar with my BJDs and hold them as standards of beauty than some disproportional, anorexic, 'safe for society barbie' (Now with stained, unwed-mother oversized t-shirt and removable baby fetus!).

On that note, I think that while BJDs are definitely "toys for adults" I see no reason why children can't be raised to appreciate them as well. For me, if I had children, I could see myself keeping them away from my BJDs, and it would be made clear that when they were old enough to hold my dolls (and eventually to play with them) that it was a big responsibility! I know that when I was younger, I was always much more careful with things that were withheld from me for years until I was 'old enough'--for example (though not tangible), it was a very big deal for me the first time I was about to stay home alone! I think if it were the same sort of mind-set for a child about your dolls, it would be okay and they could learn to play with BJDs nicely.

Edit; I was reading through some of the posts and I decided I didn't want to come off super firm on that first part--I don't think that BJDs are for "Adult only" just that, as a hobby, it tends to be more adult oriented! The prices, the materials, the skills that go into customizing a doll, etc--many of these things are more adult oriented than say, going to the store to buy a Bratz doll.

Second edit *sweatdrop* (This is what I get for reading the thread AFTER I post XD)

Honestly, the doll isn't going to be naked. >.>" It's not you're keeping a sex doll in the room or anything--we're talking about a BJD with a SCULPTED penis, nipples, or vagina (not even one that can move! Because personally, I would agree with alot of this if we were talking about, say, the BJDs with the twirly-penises... Honestly, I don't even want those in MY room. *sweatdrop*).
I can't imagine why it would even matter if the doll was clothes 99% of the time... To say that it does means that it matters to have another human in the room, since humans are anatomically correct and we're clothed (when around each other) most of the time. Even if you have a problem with your child having a doll with a penis, the child could still have it--just make a toy that they can't play with all the time... Let them come to you and ask you if they can play with the doll so you can supervise it. That way you can make sure they're not... Oogling the doll penis? (I don't entirely understand the worry, so I can't really say what you'd be making sure of XD)

On a more light-hearted (and not entirely appropriate) note; The good news is that if you have a little boy that has an interest in your male dolls, your doll's level of endowed-ness will probably boost your child's ego! ^__________^

 

I agree and disagree.
I agree for the fact we respect and handle them better. (some way)
But my little sister (10 years old) likes them to and is saving for an b&g loretta.
I think the childish dolls could be also for the jounger (respectfull handeling) children.
But the ones with detailt genitalls, no those not.
So it is posible, but it's rare. most children are unrespectfull to dolls.
(my sister not)
Well everybody thinks diffrent about it! this is what i, a 14 year old, thinks about it!
greating!!

 

I have to say I completely agree with everything teddybay said. It does make sense that they're more appropriate for 'older children'.

 

I would have to say though while some may think introducing BJDs that are 'correct' would help it might but I find friends who have been exposed to this aloof way of speaking from their parents wish it didn't happen. Some are more mature for it. Some I find are only worse for wear. I figure let them know but keep it as PG as possible so in turn no need for a doll just yet. At least one of their own however, if a parent wants to let them enjoy their doll that seems perfectly fine.

**Also wanted to note that I'm referring to 10- to probably 14 being the max.** It seems mainly to come down to maturity level, $$, etc..

 

Are the BJDs rather for 'Old Children' (teenagers and adults) ???

I personally think that Bjds are for older children. I would not consider giving one to a child under twelve.....

I have had dolls (all sorts) all of my life, I remember when I was eight I had no patience at all with my dolls, if something didn't go right I would get very angry and one day I just pulled the head right off my doll and hurled it as far as I could!
I used to cut their hair off and also ruined dolls hair with my mothers hair spray! not to mention using her real makeup on them!
Another bad thing I did at eight was take a very expensive French Bisque Bjd to the beach! I put her into the salt water for a dolly swim!.........a few months later she was in the bin! her metal pins that held the stringing had rusted and she fell apart, my mother didn't know how to fix the doll................ I also remember 'chewing' on plastic dollies fingers and toes......as children do, they chew on everything!

By the age of twelve I had mellowed and 'played' with less frustration..........I had lots more respect for the dolls I had, and I still have some of those dolls to this very day!

Resin Bjds as tough as they are, would never have stood the tests of time in my eight year old hands! I can just imagine my frustration trying to put the eyes in! or get the wig 'just right' not to mention a good finger pinch between the joints *Mummy,the doll has hurt me*........no way, Jose.......... *hurls* as far as I can...........

I think it wise to start younger children off with 'safer' dolls and introduce Bjds when you think they can treat them with loving care.......


xen

 

I have a 10 year old brother who very much would like a puki... and even though he has the money saved, I'm not sure if he fully comprehends the care involved to make the investment of the purchase. He's learning, and if he's still wanting one in a couple of years, I could see myself helping him purchase his first bjd.

...but I think it's great to find alternative dolls for younger kids interested in bjds. My friend has an Akando, and her little girl (age 3) adores him. So, as an early birthday present, I went out and bought for her one of the new Liv dolls. They're not strung, but they're still very jointed, and you can change their hair, which is an added bonus.

I'm pretty sure her mother is plotting to get her a pricier bjd when she's older. XD

...I also know of someone whose little girl (age 8, if I had to guess) has a resin bjd of her own. I think it really depends on exposure and how much the child in question realizes that there is care involved.

 

I think BJDs are for people who knows how to care 'bout them and are able to care no matter how old person is. In fact not cheap and rather fragile doll may teach children to be carefull with things and not only with them.

 

To the people who state "Children are irresponsible and will more than likely damage the dolls" i have to strongly disagree. The adult giving the child the doll is responsible for what happens to it really. They chose to put faith in the child, so they should take the responsibility really. If you know a child is reckless or aggressive then you make the active choice to keep the dolls away.

I have a 3 year old sister who owns her own bid (her first ever) and she knows how precious that doll is. She looks after her amazingly well, better than some of the adults and 'older children' i've seen with these dolls. I have seen people aged around the late teens with BJDs throwing them about and shaking them till the joints are cracking and yet a 3 year old knows that this will damage the joints and doll.

She has had her doll for about 2 and a half months now and 'melody' has recieved no damage, the face up is still in perfect condition and she is able to dress her by herself without causing cracking or popping joints.

So no, i don't think just because people are older they are more wiser in the BJD world. : ) i think everyone should be welcome!

 

I think it's fine for young kids to like bjd. Like others have said, not every child is an irresponsible little monster that goes around destroying stuff and drawing on walls. When I was a kid, I never broke any of my toys (though my younger brothers helped them towards their demise)I treasured them and treated them with care. I have young cousins that were taught nothing about boundaries, respect for posessions, the value of an item, etc...I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that if I let those kids play with or touch my dolls they would end up broken, probably beyond repair. It's all about the individual kid and how they were raised.

 

I'm 14 and I have a doll.
I know how to take care of her, and the right ways to treat them.
I guess it all just depends on the maturity level of a person.

^_^~~

 

I think it depends on how responsible a person is. ^^ its takes a lot more to care for bjds than regular dolls ( and also how expensive they are to be used for rough play )